Holiday tours begin Nov. 14 for historic Odessa

Holiday tours of Historic Odessa begin Nov. 14 and will run through Dec. 30.

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By Staff Reports

Middletown Transcript

By Staff Reports

Posted Nov. 9, 2012 at 5:00 AM

By Staff Reports

Posted Nov. 9, 2012 at 5:00 AM

Odessa, Del.

Holiday tours of Historic Odessa begin Nov. 14 and will run through Dec. 30.

The beautiful, 18th and 19th century homes lining Main Street in Odessa will be decked out for the holidays and open to the public, as they are every year. The Wilson-Warner House, a Georgian—style home that dates back to 1769—will be turned into the storied English countryside home, Bracebridge Hall.

The exhibit is inspired by the story of Old Christmas: From The Sketch Book of Washington Irving, the 19th century author of Rip Van Winkle.

Interpreting classic literature for the holidays has been a tradition at the Historic Houses of Odessa for more than 25 years, said John Xuereb.

There will also be several other events throughout the holiday season.

All of the Historic Odessa foundation's properties, including the Wilson-Warner house will be on display throughout the holidays.

-Candlelight tours of the holiday exhibit will be given every Friday in December.

- Festive Foods & Hearth Cooking Demonstrations will be Dec. 8 and Dec. 15, where onlookers can experience the authentic hustle and bustle of 18th century kitchen preparation during the holiday season in the Collins-Sharp House (1700).

-Holiday School Tours will be given Nov. 19 through Dec. 30.

-There will be a lecture Dec. 1 at 1 p.m. titled The View from Sunnyside: A Sketch of Washington Irving, presented by Michael A. Lord of Amherst College.

- Storybook Trees Exhibit, a festive display of Christmas trees decorated by local families, schools and organizations, reflect books and works of children's literature.

Admission to the Historic Odessa Foundation holiday tours are $10 for adults; $8 for groups, seniors and students; and free for Foundation members and children under 12.

The homes are open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.